Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to research that involves collective, reflective and systematic inquiry in which researchers and community stakeholders engage as equal partners in all steps of the research process with the goals of educating, improving practice or bringing about social change in  a way that centers the voices of the impacted community and improves upon accountability measures. At its core, CBPR questions the power relationships that are inherently embedded in Western knowledge production, advocates for power to be shared between the researcher and the researched In our project we have 15 community advisers designing the research process who are from the impacted community. The data collected will be used to create an action plan to inform local organizations and citizens working towards food accessibility in this community.

In order to engage in an assets based and more respectful approach to the work, historical culture, power, trauma, and influences must be examined and taken into context in the design of solutions. By looking at historical and cultural influences we are more able to extrapolate what works for the affected community in a sustainable way. There are many people who do meaningful and impactful work in their communities who are not historically recognized because the experience does not fall under the umbrella of institutional power, especially in communities that have experienced disinvestment.  Respect for history can help to counter systemic injustice and improve upon trust.

Overwhelmingly, feedback that we heard from the community is that they don't want another needs assessment. They know what the issues are pertaining to food accessibility. What they need are resources put towards the solutions. In addition to being a more empowering approach that recognizes that all people and cultures have gifts, assets based approaches build on the assets that are already found in the community and mobilize individuals, associations, and institutions to come together to build on their assets-- not concentrate on their needs. This in turn reinforces that the solution is to generate power in the impacted community.